Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell says Grenada’s decision to host the 53rd edition of the CARIFTA Games reflects his government’s commitment to youth development and sport in the Caribbean.

Speaking during an interview with the Games’ commentary team on April 6, Mitchell said Grenada stepped in without hesitation when the event’s staging was left in limbo.

“We want to say to young people in the region that we value their talent, we value their discipline and we value them making the Caribbean proud,” he said.

It is Grenada’s fourth time hosting the Games and the second time in three years.

Guyana had been due to host the 2026 edition but withdrew, while Barbados also pulled out of a recent staging due to stadium repairs, with a commitment to host in 2028.

There is no confirmed host yet for the 2027 Games, although Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Kitts and Nevis have both expressed interest.

Staging the games comes at a large financial cost for the host nation with estimates being around US$1.2 million.

Mitchell described the Games as a unifying force across the region, noting participation from as far south as Suriname and French Guiana, and as far west as Belize.

Among his highlights were Grenadian Deshawn Smart winning gold in the boys’ Under-17 javelin, and Shanoya Douglas of Jamaica taking the Under-20 girls’ 200 metres title.

On the national front, Mitchell said his government will support Grenada’s athletes to ensure they can perform their best on the world stage.

He also praised Grenada’s international stars such as Kirani James and Anderson Peters for inspiring the next generation.